WASHINGTON (WUSA9) -- In a letter to Native American leaders, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell explained his take on the Washington Redskins name and why "from its origin" it has "represented a positive meaning".

The letter, which Goodell sent to Tom Cole and Betty McCollum, the co-chairs of the Congressional Native American Caucus, was dated June 5 and is attached to this story.

"Public opinion aside, the Washington Redskins name has been confirmed in a legal context," Goodell wrote. "When the matter was considered by the D.C. federal district court, the judge ruled against the plaintiffs and recognized that the name has been used by the team in a respectful manner."